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SpaceX Rocket Near-Miss: Jets Flew Through Debris Field
21 Dec
Summary
- Three passenger jets carrying 450 people flew through a SpaceX debris field.
- JetBlue passengers were warned their flight was 'at your own risk.'
- FAA investigated SpaceX for failing to notify air traffic control.
A SpaceX Starship test flight conducted in January, aiming for Mars colonization, resulted in a mid-air explosion that endangered three passenger jets over the Caribbean. The incident, occurring less than ten minutes after liftoff, forced controllers to issue warnings to affected flights, including a JetBlue service to San Juan, stating the journey was undertaken 'at your own risk.' These flights, carrying a combined total of 450 passengers, navigated through a debris field for nearly an hour, with one controller intervening to prevent a near-collision between two aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is probing SpaceX's actions following the explosion, as the company allegedly failed to immediately report the incident through the required official channels. Air traffic controllers in Miami reportedly learned of the debris hazard only after pilots encountered it during their flights. This lack of timely communication prompted the FAA to investigate improved protocols for managing potential debris from future rocket launches.
Despite the concerning events, the three aircraft managed to land safely after declaring fuel emergencies and traversing a temporary no-fly zone. SpaceX has since implemented upgrades to its Starship system, with CEO Elon Musk reiterating his long-term vision for Mars exploration. The FAA, while reviewing its safety recommendations, has stated its commitment to ensuring safety as it anticipates a significant increase in annual rocket launches.
